US9590223B2 - Battery cell connector - Google Patents
Battery cell connector Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US9590223B2 US9590223B2 US14/871,739 US201514871739A US9590223B2 US 9590223 B2 US9590223 B2 US 9590223B2 US 201514871739 A US201514871739 A US 201514871739A US 9590223 B2 US9590223 B2 US 9590223B2
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- battery cell
- segments
- cell connector
- battery
- connecting elements
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 31
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 31
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 claims description 27
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000002250 absorbent Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 11
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000013016 damping Methods 0.000 description 3
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004080 punching Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000006096 absorbing agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000004146 energy storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003801 milling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010008 shearing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- H01M2/206—
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
- H01R4/28—Clamped connections, spring connections
- H01R4/30—Clamped connections, spring connections utilising a screw or nut clamping member
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/50—Current conducting connections for cells or batteries
- H01M50/502—Interconnectors for connecting terminals of adjacent batteries; Interconnectors for connecting cells outside a battery casing
- H01M50/503—Interconnectors for connecting terminals of adjacent batteries; Interconnectors for connecting cells outside a battery casing characterised by the shape of the interconnectors
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/50—Current conducting connections for cells or batteries
- H01M50/502—Interconnectors for connecting terminals of adjacent batteries; Interconnectors for connecting cells outside a battery casing
- H01M50/521—Interconnectors for connecting terminals of adjacent batteries; Interconnectors for connecting cells outside a battery casing characterised by the material
- H01M50/522—Inorganic material
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
- H01R13/533—Bases, cases made for use in extreme conditions, e.g. high temperature, radiation, vibration, corrosive environment, pressure
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M2220/00—Batteries for particular applications
- H01M2220/20—Batteries in motive systems, e.g. vehicle, ship, plane
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R2201/00—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications
- H01R2201/26—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications for vehicles
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries
Abstract
A battery cell connector includes a plurality of segments of a metal conducting sheet. Each segment defines a plane and having a longitudinal axis. The battery cell connector further includes plurality of bends coupling the segments together into a 3-D object. Each bend is located between a pair of adjacent segments of the plurality of segments and the pair of adjacent segments defines two distinct respective planes. The battery cell connector further includes at least one spring comprising two segments welded together. A first segment of the plurality of segments includes first connecting elements for a battery pole of a first battery cell. A second segment of the plurality of segments includes second connecting elements for a battery pole of a second battery cell. The first connecting elements are electrically coupled with the second connecting elements.
Description
This application claims priority to Chinese Patent No. 201510233602.6, entitled “POWER BATTERY CELL CONNECTOR, POWER BATTERY MODULES, POWER BATTERY PACKAGES, AND CAR,” filed on May 8, 2015, and Chinese Patent No. 201510234575.4, entitled “POWER BATTERY CELL CONNECTOR, POWER BATTERY MODULES, POWER BATTERY PACKAGES, AND CAR,” filed on May 8, 2015, both of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
This application is also related to U.S. application Ser. No. 14/871,712, entitled “BATTERY CELL CONNECTOR,” filed Sep. 30, 2015, and U.S. application Ser. No. 14/871,730, entitled “BATTERY CELL CONNECTOR,” filed Sep. 30, 2015, both of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
The disclosed embodiments relate generally to apparatuses for connecting battery cells, and more particularly to apparatuses that electrically couple battery cells while providing mechanical rigidity and/or vibration dampening.
Batteries have become a commonplace form of energy storage (e.g., for use in hybrid and electric vehicles). Often, one or more battery cells (e.g., modules) are connected (e.g., in series or parallel) to increase the storage capacity and/or power output of the battery system. To connect two battery cells in series, an anode of a first battery is typically connected with a cable to the cathode of a second battery.
A problem with battery cell connections arises when batteries are used, for example, in vehicles, because battery cables offer little if any mechanical support. For example, tolerances between the shape and size of the battery cells, along with vibrations experienced by the battery system from operating in a vehicle (e.g., vibrations between battery cells), can lead to mechanical and/or electrical failure of the battery system.
Thus, there is need for battery cell connectors that provide mechanical rigidity, support and/or vibration damping. To that end, disclosed are battery module connectors that provide mechanical support and/or vibration damping when connecting battery cells.
In accordance with some embodiments, a battery cell connector includes a plurality of segments. Each segment defines a respective plane and has a respective longitudinal axis. The battery cell connector further includes a plurality of bends coupling the plurality of segments together into a 3-D object, each bend located between a unique pair of adjacent segments of the plurality of segments, where the unique pair of adjacent segments define two distinct respective planes. A first segment of the plurality of segments includes one or more first connecting elements for a battery pole of a first battery cell and a second segment of the plurality of segments includes one or more second connecting elements for a battery pole of a second battery cell. The one or more first connecting elements are electrically coupled with the one or more second connecting elements.
Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
The battery cell connectors described herein include a sheet of material (e.g., metal) with bends and turns configured in such a way as to provide mechanical rigidity and vibration dampening in one or more directions, thus providing mechanical support to the interconnects between battery cell terminals. For example, in some embodiments, the battery cell connectors described herein include segments of substantially flat sheets of metal that efficiently carry bending and shear loads along a longitudinal direction of each segment. The segments are coupled by bends (e.g., connections between two segments having non-planar longitudinal axes) and/or turns (e.g., connections between two segments having non-parallel, but planar, longitudinal axis). By coupling segments by bends and turns, the battery cell connectors described herein are configured into a three-dimensional (3-D) object that provides mechanical compressional/shearing rigidity (e.g., efficient carrying of bending and/or shear stress) in more than one direction (e.g., two or three perpendicular directions) as well as rotational rigidity along more than one rotational axis (e.g., two or three rotational axes). In addition, in some embodiments, the bends coupling segments act a stiff springs that provide vibration damping along one or more rotational axes. As described below, FIGS. 1-21 illustrate exemplary embodiments which are configured to provide rigid support and vibration dampening while fitting conveniently to existing battery module geometries (e.g., the embodiments described below describe example geometries for battery cell connectors).
Reference will now be made in detail to various implementations, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure and the described implementations herein. However, implementations described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and mechanical apparatus have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the implementations.
Each segment 102 defines a respective plane (e.g., lies in the respective plane). For example, as shown by axes 104, segments 102-1 and 102-2 are parallel to an xz-plane; segments 102-3 and 102-4 are parallel to a xy-plane; segment 102-5 is parallel to a yz-plane. In some embodiments, a battery cell connector includes a plurality of segments that define a plurality of respective planes (e.g., two or three planes). For example, first battery cell connector 100 includes five segments that define three planes (e.g., xy-plane, xz-plane, and yz-plane). In some embodiments, for example, as shown in first battery cell connector 100, the three planes are mutually substantially perpendicular.
Each segment has a respective longitudinal axis. For example, segments 102-1 and 102-4 have respective longitudinal axes along the x-direction; segment 102-2 has a longitudinal axis along the z-direction; segments 102-3 and 102-5 have respective longitudinal axes along the y-direction. In some embodiments, a segment's longitudinal axis is along a direction from a center of the segment to an adjacent bend or turn. In some embodiments, a segment's longitudinal axis is along a direction connecting a bend or a turn on a first end of the segment and a bend or a turn on a second end of the segment, opposite the first.
First battery cell connector 100 includes a plurality of bends 106 (e.g., bend 106-1; bend 106-2; and bend 106-3) coupling the plurality of segments together into a 3-D object (e.g., an object having substantial spatial extent and/or substantial rigidity in three orthogonal directions). The plurality of bends coupling the plurality of segments into a 3-D object comprises bends pointing in at least three different directions (e.g., having bending axes along three distinct directions). In some embodiments, the three different directions are orthogonal (perpendicular) directions. In some embodiments, at least two of the plurality of bends are not parallel to each other. In some embodiments, at least three of the plurality of bends are not parallel to each other. In some embodiments, two bends are not parallel to each other when they have respective bending axes that are not parallel to each other. Each bend 106 is located between (e.g., couples) a unique pair of adjacent segments of the plurality of segments. For example, bend 106-1 is located between segment 102-1 and segment 102-5; bend 106-2 is located between segment 102-5 and segment 102-4; and bend 106-3 is located between segment 102-3 and segment 102-2. In this example, bend 106-1 has an axis that is approximately in the z-direction; bend 106-2 has an axis that is approximately in the y-direction; and bend 106-3 has an axis that is approximately in the x-direction. As will be described below in connection with FIGS. 26A-26C , the first battery cell connector 100 is formed from a two-dimensional U-shape metal sheet 2606 by bending different portions of the U-shape metal sheet 2606 into different directions at predefined locations. For example, both terminal segments are formed by bending the corresponding side portions of the U-shape metal sheet 2606 into two opposite directions perpendicular to the plane defined by the U-shape metal sheet 2606 (see, e.g., 2626-2 and 2626-3 in FIG. 26C ) and another bend 2626-1 is formed by bending the bottom portion of the U-shape metal sheet 2606. The unique pair of adjacent segments on either side of a bend defines two distinct respective planes. In some embodiments, the two distinctive planes are perpendicular to one another (e.g., the bend is a 90 degree bend). In some embodiments, a bend has a radius of curvature. In some embodiment, a bend is bent along a respective bending axis that is parallel with both of the two distinct respective planes (e.g., the bend is characterized by a bending axis). For example, the bending axis for bend 106-1 is parallel to the z-axis. In some embodiments, the plurality of bends 106 includes at least three bends having three distinct bending axes. In some embodiments, the three distinct bending axes are perpendicular to one another. In some embodiments, the plurality of bends serves as vibration dampening elements (e.g., damp vibrations along directions perpendicular to the bend's respective bending axis).
In some embodiments, the battery cell connector is for use in a vehicle (e.g., an electrical car) and the bends are elastically deformable under predefined operating conditions of the vehicle (e.g., vibration or shock). For example, in some embodiments, the bends act as springs having a stiffness designed to dampen one or more resonance modes of the vehicle and/or the battery system.
In the example shown in FIG. 1 , segment 102-1 is a first segment of the plurality of segments 102 that includes one or more first connecting elements 108 for a battery pole (e.g., an anode, a cathode, or a connecting terminal or contact for an anode or a cathode) of a first battery cell. Segment 102-2 is a second segment of the plurality of segments 102 that includes one or more second connecting elements 110 for a battery pole of a second battery cell. In some embodiments, the first connecting elements 108 include at least two connecting elements (e.g., first connecting elements 108-1 and 108-2) to provide rotational stiffness for the connection to the first battery cell. In some embodiments, the second connecting elements include at least two connecting elements (e.g., second connecting elements 110-1 and 110-2) to provide rotational stiffness for the connection to the second battery cell. In some embodiments, a respective connecting element of the first connecting elements and the second connecting elements comprises an opening adapted to receive a battery terminal, wherein the battery terminal is mechanically connected at least partially along a circumference of the opening (e.g., as shown in first battery cell connector 100, each of the connecting elements 108/110 comprises an opening adapted to receive a battery terminal, which may comprise a bolt screwed into the battery). The one or more first connecting elements are electrically coupled with the one or more second connecting elements. In some embodiments, the plurality of segments comprise an electrical conductor forming the electrical coupling between the one or more first connecting elements 108 and the one or more second connecting elements 110. In some embodiments, for example as shown in first battery cell connector 100, the plurality of segments and the plurality of bends are formed by a single continuous metal sheet that comprises an electrical conductor forming the electrical coupling between the one or more first connecting elements 108 and the one or more second connecting elements 110. In some embodiments, the connector 100 is made of copper or aluminum.
In some embodiments, the segments 102 that include connecting elements 108/110 do not have a clearly discernible longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the segments 102 that include connecting elements 108/110 are respective segments in a plurality of segments that includes one or more additional segments, each additional segment having a longitudinal axis.
In some embodiments, first battery cell connector 100 includes one or more (or a plurality of) turns 112 (for visual clarity, only a single turn 112-1 is given a reference number in FIG. 1 ). Each turn 112 couples a second unique pair of adjacent segments 102 in the plurality of segments 102. For example, turn 112-1 couples segment 102-3 and 102-4. The second unique pair of adjacent segments 102 have distinct respective longitudinal axes within the same respective plane. For example, segment 102-3 has a longitudinal axis in the y-direction, segment 102-4 has a longitudinal axis in the x-direction, and both segment 102-3 and 102-4 are parallel with the xy-plane. In some embodiments, the respective axes of segments coupled by a turn are perpendicular (e.g., the segments form an L-shape). In some embodiments, the plurality of segments has an L-shaped opening (e.g., at least a portion of the opening is L-shaped).
As shown in FIGS. 24-25 , in some embodiments, a battery cell connector is provided that is formed of single continuous metal sheet. The battery cell connector includes a plurality of segments including a first terminal segment that includes one or more first connecting elements for a battery pole of a first battery cell; a second terminal segment that includes one or more second connecting elements for a battery pole of a second battery cell; and a plurality of additional segments connecting the first terminal segment to the second terminal segment. Each additional segment defines a respective plane and having a respective longitudinal axis. The battery cell connector also includes a plurality of bends coupling the plurality of segments together into a 3-D object, each bend located between a unique pair of adjacent segments of the plurality of segments. The unique pair of adjacent segments define two distinct respective planes. The first terminal segment is not parallel to the second terminal segment and the one or more first connecting elements are electrically coupled with the one or more second connecting elements. For example, as shown in FIG. 24 , the plurality of bends includes a first bend 2408 having a first bending axis 2410 and a second bend 2412 having a second bending axis 2414 that is substantially perpendicular to the first bending axis. First terminal segment 2402 is not parallel to second terminal segment 2404. In some embodiments, first terminal segment 2402 is substantially perpendicular to second terminal segment 2404. In some embodiments, the battery cell connector includes a third bend with a bending axis parallel to either the first bending axis or the second bending axis.
As shown in FIG. 25 , in some embodiments, the battery cell connector includes only two bends. In some embodiments, the battery cell connector further comprises a single turn that, together with the two bends, forms the plurality of segments into the 3-D object. In FIG. 25 , first terminal segment 2502 is not parallel to second terminal segment 2504.
In some embodiments, at least two continuous sheets of metal, the at least two continuous sheets of metal coupled together by the welding of the two respective segments forming the spring. In some embodiments, the plurality of bends point to at least three different directions. In some embodiments, the first and second segments of the plurality of segments are not parallel to each other.
Alternatively, in some embodiments, a battery cell connector is provided that is formed of two or more continuous metal sheets. Battery cell connector 900 (discussed above with reference to FIGS. 9-12 ), battery cell connector 1300 (discussed above with reference to FIGS. 13-17 ) and battery cell connector 1800 (discussed above with reference to FIGS. 18-21 ) are examples of such a battery cell connector. In some embodiments, the battery cell connector includes a plurality of segments of a metal conducting sheet, each segment defining a respective plane and having a respective longitudinal axis. The battery cell connector also includes a plurality of bends coupling the plurality of segments together into a 3-D object, each bend located between a unique pair of adjacent segments of the plurality of segments. The unique pair of adjacent segments define two distinct respective planes. The battery cell connector includes at least one spring comprising two respective segments welded together (e.g., in a “tweezer” arrangement”). A first segment of the plurality of segments includes one or more first connecting elements for a battery pole of a first battery cell. A second segment of the plurality of segments includes one or more second connecting elements for a battery pole of a second battery cell. The one or more first connecting elements are electrically coupled with the one or more second connecting elements.
The sheet metal process involves cutting (2602) a sheet of metal 2604 into a two-dimensional (e.g., planar) U-shape 2606 comprising a first plurality of planar segments 2608 (e.g., planar segments 2608-1 through 2608-3) separated by a plurality of turns 2610 (e.g., turn 2610-1 and 2610-2). For example, in some embodiments, the sheet of metal is a 1 millimeter (mm) or 2 mm copper sheet. In some embodiments, cutting the sheet of metal into the two-dimensional shape comprises blanking the sheet of metal. In some embodiments, the two-dimensional shape is substantially L-shaped or U-shaped. For example, two-dimensional shape 2606 is substantially U-shaped.
In some embodiments, sheet metal process 2600 includes cutting (2612) (e.g., punching, sawing, milling, nibbling, or drilling) additional features into the two-dimensional shape 2606. For example, in some embodiments, sheet metal process 2600 includes cutting, in a first segment 2608-1 of the plurality of segments 2608, one or more first connecting elements 2614 for a battery pole of a first battery cell. Sheet metal process 2600 also includes cutting, in a second segment 2608-3 of the plurality of segments, one or more second connecting elements 2616 for a battery pole of a second battery cell. In some embodiments, cutting the one or more first connecting elements and cutting the one or more second connecting elements comprises drilling or hole punching the one or more first connecting elements and the one or more second connecting elements. In some embodiments, the additional features include L-shaped or U-shaped cutouts 2618.
Sheet metal process 2600 includes bending 2620 the two-dimensional shape 2606 into a three-dimensional shape 2622 comprising a second plurality of planar segments 2624 (for visual clarity, only some of planar segments 2624 have been labeled in FIG. 26C ). In some embodiments, the second plurality of planar segments 2624 having a greater number of segments than the first plurality of planar segments 2608 (e.g., the operation of bending creates additional planar segments—that is, when a planar segment is bent, in some circumstances, it creates two planar segments coupled by a bend). The three-dimensional shape includes a plurality of bends 2626 separating respective segments of the second plurality of planar segments and pointing to at least three different directions. In some embodiments, the three different directions are mutually orthogonal directions (e.g., the plurality of bends includes three bends with three different bending axes that are all mutually orthogonal to the other bending axes). In some embodiments, after bending, the first segment and the second segment are not parallel to each other.
The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first segment could be termed a second segment, and, similarly, a second segment could be termed a first segment, without changing the meaning of the description, so long as all occurrences of the “first segment” are renamed consistently and all occurrences of the “second segment” are renamed consistently. The first segment and the second segment are both segments, but they are not the same segment.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular implementations only and is not intended to be limiting of the claims. As used in the description of the implementations and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
As used herein, the term “if” may be construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in accordance with a determination” or “in response to detecting,” that a stated condition precedent is true, depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined [that a stated condition precedent is true]” or “if [a stated condition precedent is true]” or “when [a stated condition precedent is true]” may be construed to mean “upon determining” or “upon a determination that” or “in response to determining” or “in accordance with a determination” or “upon detecting” or “in response to detecting” that the stated condition precedent is true, depending on the context.
Claims (17)
1. A battery cell connector, comprising:
a plurality of segments of a metal conducting sheet, each segment defining a respective plane and having a respective longitudinal axis;
a plurality of bends coupling the plurality of segments together into a 3-D object, each bend located between a unique pair of adjacent segments of the plurality of segments, wherein the unique pair of adjacent segments define two distinct respective planes; and
at least one spring comprising two respective segments of the plurality of segments welded together;
wherein:
a first segment of the plurality of segments includes one or more first connecting elements for a battery pole of a first battery cell;
a second segment of the plurality of segments includes one or more second connecting elements for a battery pole of a second battery cell; and
the one or more first connecting elements are electrically coupled with the one or more second connecting elements.
2. The battery cell connector of claim 1 , comprising at least two continuous sheets of metal, the at least two continuous sheets of metal coupled together by the welding of the two respective segments forming the spring.
3. The battery cell connector of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of bends point to at least three different directions.
4. The battery cell connector of claim 1 , wherein the first and second segments of the plurality of segments are not parallel to each other.
5. The battery cell connector of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of turns, each turn coupling a second unique pair of adjacent segments in the plurality of segments, wherein the second unique pair of adjacent segments have distinct respective longitudinal axis within the same respective plane.
6. The battery cell connector of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of segments comprise an electrical conductor forming the electrical coupling between the one or more first connecting elements and the one or more second connecting elements.
7. The battery cell connector of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of segments has an L-shaped opening.
8. The battery cell connector of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of bends comprise vibration dampening elements.
9. The battery cell connector of claim 1 , wherein the battery cell connector is for use in a vehicle and the plurality of bends are elastically deformable within a set of operating conditions of the vehicle.
10. The battery cell connector of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of bends includes three bends.
11. The battery cell connector of claim 10 , wherein the three bends have three distinct axes of bending.
12. The battery cell connector of claim 11 , wherein the three distinct axes of bending are substantially perpendicular to one another.
13. The battery cell connector of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of segments includes three segments.
14. The battery cell connector of claim 13 , wherein the three segments define three distinct respective planes.
15. The battery cell connector of claim 14 , wherein the three distinct respective planes are substantially perpendicular.
16. The battery cell connector of claim 1 , wherein a respective connecting element of the first connecting elements and the second connecting elements comprises an opening adapted to receive a battery terminal, wherein the battery terminal is mechanically connected at least partially along a circumference of the opening.
17. The battery cell connector of claim 1 , further including at least one vibration-absorbent bump formed in a respective segment of the plurality of segments.
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CN201510233602 | 2015-05-08 | ||
CN201510233602.6 | 2015-05-08 | ||
CN201510234575 | 2015-05-08 | ||
CN201510234575.4 | 2015-05-08 | ||
CN201510234575 | 2015-05-08 | ||
CN201510233602 | 2015-05-08 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20160329545A1 US20160329545A1 (en) | 2016-11-10 |
US9590223B2 true US9590223B2 (en) | 2017-03-07 |
Family
ID=57222003
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/871,739 Active US9590223B2 (en) | 2015-05-08 | 2015-09-30 | Battery cell connector |
US14/871,712 Active US9590221B2 (en) | 2015-05-08 | 2015-09-30 | Battery cell connector |
US14/871,730 Active US9590222B2 (en) | 2015-05-08 | 2015-09-30 | Battery cell connector |
Family Applications After (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/871,712 Active US9590221B2 (en) | 2015-05-08 | 2015-09-30 | Battery cell connector |
US14/871,730 Active US9590222B2 (en) | 2015-05-08 | 2015-09-30 | Battery cell connector |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US9590223B2 (en) |
EP (3) | EP3295521A4 (en) |
JP (3) | JP6491358B2 (en) |
KR (3) | KR102047454B1 (en) |
AU (4) | AU2015394767B2 (en) |
BR (3) | BR112017022230B1 (en) |
SG (3) | SG11201708403PA (en) |
WO (3) | WO2016179949A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20180212225A1 (en) * | 2017-01-20 | 2018-07-26 | Autonetworks Technologies, Ltd. | Connection module |
US10396335B2 (en) * | 2015-09-30 | 2019-08-27 | Byd Company Limited | Connector for power batteries, power battery module, power battery pack and vehicle |
Families Citing this family (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2016124151A1 (en) * | 2015-02-05 | 2016-08-11 | 杭州新研动力能源有限公司 | Electrical tools, nickel-zinc battery system and manufacturing method therefor |
BR112017022230B1 (en) * | 2015-05-08 | 2022-08-02 | Byd Company Limited | BATTERY CELL CONNECTORS |
JP6847834B2 (en) * | 2015-07-30 | 2021-03-24 | 三洋電機株式会社 | Busbar for power supply and battery cell |
EP3323161B1 (en) * | 2015-09-30 | 2020-01-15 | BYD Company Limited | Connector for power batteries, power battery module, power battery pack and vehicle |
US10454144B2 (en) * | 2016-05-17 | 2019-10-22 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | System and method for acoustic determination of battery cell expansion |
CN106684305B (en) * | 2016-12-23 | 2020-10-30 | 惠州市亿能电子有限公司 | Electrode assembly and battery module with replaceable electrode assembly |
JP6935208B2 (en) * | 2017-03-10 | 2021-09-15 | 株式会社東芝 | Busbar, battery pack |
FR3070794B1 (en) * | 2017-09-05 | 2019-08-30 | Psa Automobiles Sa | ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM FOR A HYBRID VEHICLE HAVING HOLLOW CONNECTION BARS |
JP2019079651A (en) * | 2017-10-23 | 2019-05-23 | 株式会社オートネットワーク技術研究所 | Electric connection member |
KR101996444B1 (en) * | 2018-04-25 | 2019-10-01 | 주식회사 유라코퍼레이션 | Busbar assembly |
KR102598260B1 (en) * | 2018-06-12 | 2023-11-02 | 삼성에스디아이 주식회사 | Battery module |
DE102018122080A1 (en) * | 2018-09-11 | 2020-03-12 | Webasto SE | Battery module and method for manufacturing a battery module |
JP7443841B2 (en) | 2020-03-11 | 2024-03-06 | スズキ株式会社 | battery pack |
KR20220089476A (en) * | 2020-12-21 | 2022-06-28 | 에스케이온 주식회사 | Bus bar and battery module including the same |
DE102021112321A1 (en) * | 2021-05-11 | 2022-11-17 | Yazaki Systems Technologies Gmbh | Cell connector for an electrical energy store and electrical energy store with the cell connector |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6875049B2 (en) * | 2002-11-27 | 2005-04-05 | Research In Motion Limited | Battery connector capable of connecting multiple power consuming circuit boards |
US7270576B2 (en) * | 2005-07-29 | 2007-09-18 | Samsung Sdi Co., Ltd. | Modular battery with connector interconnecting terminals of adjacent unit cells |
US7390229B2 (en) * | 2006-04-03 | 2008-06-24 | Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Battery connector |
US8246379B1 (en) * | 2011-04-20 | 2012-08-21 | Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Battery connector |
Family Cites Families (25)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5143804A (en) * | 1991-05-08 | 1992-09-01 | Duracell Inc. | Battery assembly |
JP4419765B2 (en) * | 2004-09-13 | 2010-02-24 | 三菱自動車工業株式会社 | Battery pack device |
CN2763986Y (en) * | 2004-12-21 | 2006-03-08 | 连展科技(深圳)有限公司 | Improved structure for spring terminal of battery connector |
US7364456B2 (en) * | 2005-09-15 | 2008-04-29 | Premier Image Technology Corporation | Flexible contact device for use with a battery |
JP2007157382A (en) * | 2005-12-01 | 2007-06-21 | Matsushita Battery Industrial Co Ltd | Battery pack |
JP5063897B2 (en) * | 2006-01-18 | 2012-10-31 | 三桜工業株式会社 | Battery connection board |
JP5159233B2 (en) | 2007-09-28 | 2013-03-06 | 株式会社東芝 | Bus bar |
US20090159354A1 (en) * | 2007-12-25 | 2009-06-25 | Wenfeng Jiang | Battery system having interconnected battery packs each having multiple electrochemical storage cells |
JP2010123648A (en) * | 2008-11-18 | 2010-06-03 | Panasonic Corp | Electricity accumulation unit |
JP5465440B2 (en) * | 2009-01-28 | 2014-04-09 | 三洋電機株式会社 | Assembled battery |
CN101820056A (en) * | 2009-02-27 | 2010-09-01 | 比亚迪股份有限公司 | Battery system and electric vehicle using same |
EP2441103B2 (en) * | 2009-06-08 | 2018-09-12 | Auto-Kabel Management GmbH | Battery cell connector |
BR112012007328A2 (en) * | 2009-10-01 | 2017-03-01 | Diehl Stiftung & Co Kg | device for electrical interconnection of cells from a battery pack through cell connectors and battery pack with these cell connectors |
DE102009058723B4 (en) * | 2009-12-17 | 2011-12-01 | Amphenol-Tuchel Electronics Gmbh | Flexible cell connector |
DE102011076624A1 (en) * | 2011-05-27 | 2012-11-29 | Elringklinger Ag | cell connectors |
JP5809465B2 (en) * | 2011-07-05 | 2015-11-11 | 矢崎総業株式会社 | Electric wire routing device |
JP2013020855A (en) * | 2011-07-12 | 2013-01-31 | Sanyo Electric Co Ltd | Power supply unit and vehicle including power supply unit |
JP5879138B2 (en) * | 2012-01-27 | 2016-03-08 | 矢崎総業株式会社 | Power supply |
CN102842698B (en) * | 2012-06-22 | 2015-11-25 | 深圳巴斯巴科技发展有限公司 | A kind of connection structure of power battery pack |
JP2014022070A (en) | 2012-07-12 | 2014-02-03 | Yazaki Corp | Terminal bus bar whirl-stop structure for battery connection body |
IN2015DN00740A (en) * | 2012-08-01 | 2015-07-10 | Toshiba Kk | |
CN202888464U (en) * | 2012-11-08 | 2013-04-17 | 上海莫仕连接器有限公司 | Electrical connector and conductive terminal thereof |
WO2014178114A1 (en) * | 2013-04-30 | 2014-11-06 | 日立オートモティブシステムズ株式会社 | Assembled battery bus bar and assembled battery |
CN203839445U (en) * | 2013-12-31 | 2014-09-17 | 上海比亚迪有限公司 | Power battery module |
BR112017022230B1 (en) * | 2015-05-08 | 2022-08-02 | Byd Company Limited | BATTERY CELL CONNECTORS |
-
2015
- 2015-09-30 BR BR112017022230-2A patent/BR112017022230B1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2015-09-30 AU AU2015394767A patent/AU2015394767B2/en active Active
- 2015-09-30 BR BR112017022236-1A patent/BR112017022236B1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2015-09-30 US US14/871,739 patent/US9590223B2/en active Active
- 2015-09-30 EP EP15891649.4A patent/EP3295521A4/en active Pending
- 2015-09-30 KR KR1020177029150A patent/KR102047454B1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2015-09-30 JP JP2017558497A patent/JP6491358B2/en active Active
- 2015-09-30 SG SG11201708403PA patent/SG11201708403PA/en unknown
- 2015-09-30 KR KR1020177029151A patent/KR102037100B1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2015-09-30 EP EP15891651.0A patent/EP3275048B1/en active Active
- 2015-09-30 US US14/871,712 patent/US9590221B2/en active Active
- 2015-09-30 WO PCT/CN2015/091270 patent/WO2016179949A1/en active Application Filing
- 2015-09-30 AU AU2015394765A patent/AU2015394765A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2015-09-30 KR KR1020177029153A patent/KR102037101B1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2015-09-30 SG SG11201708465SA patent/SG11201708465SA/en unknown
- 2015-09-30 EP EP15891650.2A patent/EP3295522B1/en active Active
- 2015-09-30 US US14/871,730 patent/US9590222B2/en active Active
- 2015-09-30 BR BR112017022210-8A patent/BR112017022210B1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2015-09-30 JP JP2017558504A patent/JP6744874B2/en active Active
- 2015-09-30 WO PCT/CN2015/091269 patent/WO2016179948A1/en active Application Filing
- 2015-09-30 SG SG11201708497XA patent/SG11201708497XA/en unknown
- 2015-09-30 JP JP2017558453A patent/JP2018514924A/en active Pending
- 2015-09-30 AU AU2015394766A patent/AU2015394766B2/en active Active
- 2015-09-30 WO PCT/CN2015/091268 patent/WO2016179947A1/en active Application Filing
-
2019
- 2019-06-19 AU AU2019204314A patent/AU2019204314B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6875049B2 (en) * | 2002-11-27 | 2005-04-05 | Research In Motion Limited | Battery connector capable of connecting multiple power consuming circuit boards |
US7270576B2 (en) * | 2005-07-29 | 2007-09-18 | Samsung Sdi Co., Ltd. | Modular battery with connector interconnecting terminals of adjacent unit cells |
US7390229B2 (en) * | 2006-04-03 | 2008-06-24 | Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Battery connector |
US8246379B1 (en) * | 2011-04-20 | 2012-08-21 | Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Battery connector |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
Zhang, Office Action, U.S. Appl. No. 14/871,712, Jul. 6, 2016, 10 pgs. |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10396335B2 (en) * | 2015-09-30 | 2019-08-27 | Byd Company Limited | Connector for power batteries, power battery module, power battery pack and vehicle |
US20180212225A1 (en) * | 2017-01-20 | 2018-07-26 | Autonetworks Technologies, Ltd. | Connection module |
US10122006B2 (en) * | 2017-01-20 | 2018-11-06 | Autonetworks Technologies, Ltd. | Connection module |
Also Published As
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US9590222B2 (en) | Battery cell connector | |
US9786895B2 (en) | Energy storage module with reduced damage to electrode terminals | |
EP2819210B1 (en) | Battery module | |
EP2109906B1 (en) | Buss bar for batteries | |
KR20140048209A (en) | Printed circuit for interconnecting and measuring battery cells in a battery | |
JP2022130395A (en) | battery module | |
KR20180108461A (en) | Battery pack | |
JP2019125477A (en) | Connection structure of external connection bus bar and connection method of external connection bus bar | |
CN209447976U (en) | A kind of battery sampling device and battery pack | |
JP7174345B2 (en) | power storage device | |
CN220021504U (en) | Output electrode supporting component and battery | |
KR20210076496A (en) | Battery Pack Having Hold Down Bracket and Device having the same |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BYD COMPANY LIMITED, CHINA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:ZHANG, ZHONGLIN;XIE, XIUMEI;ZHOU, YANFEI;REEL/FRAME:037344/0938 Effective date: 20151028 |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 4TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1551); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY Year of fee payment: 4 |